Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide Launched at Economic Breakfast Event

The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance officially launched the Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide 2025–2030 at the Business NSW Central Coast Economic Breakfast on Friday 23 May at Mingara Recreation Club.

Over 300 business and government leaders attended the breakfast, reaffirming the region’s commitment to tackling infrastructure, housing, and productivity challenges through strategic collaboration and bold investment.

Held in partnership with Commonwealth Bank and the University of Newcastle at Mingara Recreation Club, the sold-out event featured a high-calibre line-up of speakers, including the NSW Treasurer, the Hon. Daniel Mookhey MLC; Minister for the Central Coast, the Hon. David Harris MP; Commonwealth Bank Senior Economist Belinda Allen; and Business NSW Chief Economist Dr Sherman Chan.

The centrepiece of the event was the official launch of the Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide 2025–2030.

This significant advocacy document outlines key infrastructure projects needed to unlock the Central Coast’s full potential in housing, employment and transport. From road upgrades and transport corridors to servicing for employment and residential lands and investment in high-density housing precincts, the guide sets a clear list of infrastructure priorities for Government and private sector investment.

The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance is a collaborative initiative between Business NSW (BNSW), Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC), Central Coast Industry Connect (CCIC), the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), and the Property Council of Australia. The group came together in 2024 with a shared commitment to advocate for enabling infrastructure to support sustainable growth across the region.

The Alliance’s first joint initiative—Central Coast Housing Now Actions 2024—was launched at the Premier’s Breakfast last year. Developed in partnership with local business chambers and Pacific Link Housing, that plan identified seven key reforms to accelerate housing delivery. The new Infrastructure Guide builds on that foundation, with a broader focus on job creation, precinct activation, and future-proofing the region’s economic development.

Scott Goold, Regional Director of Business NSW, said:

"The Central Coast has reached a pivotal moment. This guide is a clear call to action for government and the private sector to commit to the critical infrastructure that will drive housing supply, jobs, and regional prosperity. We stand ready to work alongside government and industry to deliver a more connected and resilient future."

The guide identifies several infrastructure priorities, including the delivery of water and sewer upgrades, Pacific Highway intersection improvements, the Warnervale to Wyong Link Road, Sparks Road intersection upgrades, and a masterplan for Gosford Station. It also highlights longer-term strategic projects such as the Central Coast Airport redevelopment, Central Coast Film Studios, and connectivity between Gosford CBD and the Gosford Waterfront.

Elizabeth York, Regional Manager, UDIA NSW, said:

"The Central Coast is experiencing a housing crisis. Prices have risen 36% since 2018 and vacancy rates are as low as 0.6% in key areas like Gosford. We need more homes and new homes need infrastructure, without it they simply won’t be built. Infrastructure investment is essential to accelerate housing delivery and improve affordability across the region."

John Mouland, CEO of Regional Development Australia Central Coast, added:

"With a forecast population increase of 15% and a regional economy expected to nearly double by 2040, the Central Coast needs investment in the infrastructure that supports both residents and industry. This guide offers a collaborative and evidence-backed approach to achieving that."

The guide notes that while the Central Coast has over 900 hectares of employment-zoned land, only 82 hectares is currently serviceable and unconstrained. Upgrades to roads, sewer and water infrastructure are essential to unlock the economic potential of areas such as Warnervale, Somersby, and Bushell’s Ridge.

Frank Sammut, Executive Director of Central Coast Industry Connect, said:

"Businesses can’t expand, and new industries can’t move in, if we don’t have serviceable land. Infrastructure is the enabler, and this guide makes it crystal clear where investment is needed to unleash job creation and future-proof our economy."

Nuatali Nelmes, Director – Hunter Central Coast, Property Council of Australia, also highlighted the opportunity:

"This guide includes transformative precincts such as the Gosford Waterfront and the Central Coast Film Studios. With the right investment, these projects will drive local employment, attract private capital, and create long-term economic and social value for the region."

The Central Coast Infrastructure Investment Guide will be made available to government and stakeholders following its official launch. The Central Coast Peak Bodies Alliance urges all levels of government to engage with the guide and private sector investors to support delivery of the priority projects.

Media Contacts:

Mr John Mouland

Director Regional Development & Chief Executive Officer

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA CENTRAL COAST

P: 4349 4949 / 0438 695 708

E: john.mouland@rdacc.org.au